PHWBC is the Talk of London Book Fair

The team behind Port Harcourt’s triumphant win of the World Book Capital City title is making waves at the London Book Fair as they draw the world’s attention to the exciting events being lined up for 2014.

The London Book Fair holds from 15th to 17th April; press, publishers, writers and literary enthusiasts from all over the world have been flocking to the Port Harcourt stand. Excited attendees have expressed their admiration for the work of the Rainbow Book Club (RBC) – the group behind Port Harcourt’s historic bid. The positive reception has come from both industry insiders and the reading public. One astounded British fan of Nigerian literature was clearly surprised to learn that Port Harcourt had been given the prestigious title of World Book Capital City and stated that she hoped the effects of promoting literacy in Rivers State would have a ripple effect on other parts of the country. This is of course the aim of the 2014 initiative - to impact not just Port Harcourt but Nigeria and the African continent. In the words of another visitor, Mr Isaac Jaiyeoba, an IT consultant who writes, “this is exciting because it is exactly what Nigeria needs, a positive story.”

Mrs Effie White of Rainbow Book Club in an interview with Jacqui Grant of Colourful Radio

Our positive story has also been picked up by the media – with the founder of RBC, Mrs Koko Kalango spoke on the BBC World Service’s Focus on Africa program. Another team member will outline the impact we hope to have on reading and development in the Garden City in 2014 in a special arts and culture segment on London’s popular Colourful Radio this Wednesday afternoon.  

The Port Harcourt World Book Capital City team is dedicated to improving the country’s image on the international scene and the wealth of literary talent coming out of Nigeria has been a key focus of their discussions with visitors to their stand. The stand showcases some of this talent with books produced by local  publishers such as Bookcraft's new illustrated coffee table version of Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart and Introducing Nigeria by Farafina. Also on display are samples of Rainbow’s soon-to-be released anthology of 50 great Nigerian writers entitled: Nigerian Literature: A Coat of Many Colours.

The team continues flying the Nigerian flag in London over the next couple of days; fans can stay up to date with us by following us on Twitter and Facebook.